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12.31.2014

I'm going to make the most out of this new year with higher expectations. It seems like a great motivator because who wants to end the year with a feeling of disappointment? All of my goals are actually interlinked now and it feels like a very possible thing. My main one is continuing my fitness journey... it'll eventually mark a year so I'll like to get into beast mode for faster results.

I'm going to put myself first and stop putting things on a backburner. I'm looking forward to new hobbies and creations.

12.28.2014

I never made fingerless gloves before and didn't want to spend a lot of time trying to design one. I found a pattern on Ravelry that uses puff stitches- my favorite! It's on Hopeful Honey.

The star buttons were originally green and I had to coat them in paint then try to seal it with glaze. It's all I had haha. I kind of took advantage of the break to take time off from blogging and focusing on myself/art/design/crafts.

I'll really like to create more during next year so I'm considering sticking to a fixed amount of posts each month. :D

12.17.2014

Waist training has become popular over the last few years. I'll like to mention first that Kim Kardashian and those other celebrities are NOT wearing actual corsets. I don't view that as waist training when it doesn't have proper steel boning or even have any sort of curve. Sorry to disappoint! Too many people wasted money on those crap waist trimmer things. It's those rubber latex fajas. Most people just lose water weight, use it to work out in and it's just not safe. I prefer my skin without fungus, thanks. The Kardashians have curves or a big booty to begin with and proportionally make their waist appear smaller.

Too many articles are written by people who get their information based off of myths, rumors, preferences and ignorance. One article had a woman try out a "corset" for ONE month when it was actually a faja. Another article actually used a corset but didn't follow instructions properly because it should never hurt.

This is a gradual process. If there's pain involved then you are not doing it right or your measurements don't fit with "off the rack" corset sizes.

You can't get the same results by using those fajas with those 3 rows of hooks and low quality boning. There is no curve and it looks lumpy IMO. A proper corset will feel sturdy, have steel boning and give you that curvy silhouette.
You can usually see more curve definition within 3 months of wearing it consistently.

29" inch waist wearing a 24" corset

REASONS TO WAIST TRAIN
You can wear a corset to improve your posture and help you be supported if you work at a desk all day. You want your natural waist size to reduce and get more defined curves when you aren't wearing a corset. It's a smoother silhouette underneath your clothing and an instant bust lift.

You don't HAVE to do extreme reductions if it's not your preference . There are many soft curve corsets out there if you're looking for a low reduction size.

A corset will compress on your stomach and this will make you feel full quickly so you will develop new eating habits. You will basically eat more smaller meals. Some people have reported some weight loss with this. It's also been around for post partum belly binding.

closed 22" corset vs initial seasoning on 27" waist

SEASONING

A new corset needs to be worn loosely for 1-2 hours for at least 2 weeks. This gives it time to slowly form to your body and you will notice it become less stiff upon each wear. When you're lacing up, your gap behind should be two parallel lines.

Brocade fabrics are really sturdy and can take up to 3 weeks to season. Cottons are 2 weeks while satin and mesh can feel less stiff in 1 week.

Tightening too quickly can not only hurt your own body but your corset. Comfort is important.

Corset vs without corset

TRAINING METHODS

I season my corset, wear it up to 5 hours then increase to longer hours during the day.

Wait 30-60 minutes after lacing up for your body to adjust and you can cinch down more. My reductions were slow and based on the comfort of my body starting with 1/2 an inch to 1". Each reduction could take week(s). Listen to your body!

Others tighten or loosen their corset based on how they felt that day. Some days you can't tighen as usual due to bloating or some other reason.

People tightlace and cinch down tightly for a certain amount of time. I'm waist training so I'm taking it slow so I can wear it for longer hours.

Once you get to your desired size, you have to continue wearing the corset to maintain it. You can shorten your hours and days but staying consistent is very important in keeping your results. Someone had described it's like having braces then getting them off and needing to wear your retainer afterwards.

HEALTH

Back pain and bad posture are usually relieved with wearing a corset. If you have scoliosis then please consult a doctor if you have medical concerns. Be safe by doing small reductions and taking your time. There shouldn't be any pain and if there is then your body didn't adjust so loosen up and be patient.

You can breathe fine since your stomach is being compressed and not your upper chest/lungs. Misinformed people always argue about corsets damaging organs yet they forget that with pregnancy your organs move to accommodate an expanding uterus. Both which don't happen overnight. ( MRI's comparing the two) Did you know your organs move when you go to the bathroom too?

LOSING WEIGHT

A corset is not a diet. There are cases of people losing weight because of the compression and their stomach can't take in as much food. I had to adjust my own portions too but I haven't personally lost weight. It's important that you drink more water to stay hydrated. Your movement is already restricted in certain corset lengths so it's not recommended to exercise in your corset. Take it off and exercise without it to keep your core strong. Relying on a corset for long can actually weaken your abdominal wall.

SIZING
This are number sizes, it's not letters.Straight sizes order 4-6 inches below their natural waist. Plus sizes (based off of Orchard Corset) are 38" and more. They should order 7-10 inches down.

If you have more squish then you can cinch down more in comparison to bone.

I recommend Orchard Corset for a beginner, budget corset. They have amazing customer service that can help you choose the right corset once you provide your measurements.

Seasoning to fully closed at 24"

CAREThese corsets have steel boning which means you can't throw it in the wash or hand wash. You could lightly spot wash if you accidentally stain it.

Always wear a liner or tank top underneath. The body's sweat and oils can ruin your corset. Remember to always loosen your laces before you try to take it off.

Some people need to moisture very well before putting on or removing their corset. Corset itch is the worst.

BODY SHAPERS & FASHION CORSETS

These are not proper for waist training. Both have light boning and no shape. Authentic corsets are great for body modification because of the steel boning. Fashion corsets are nice for the bedroom but wearing it otherwise can hurt you. Avoid spending money on cheap and poorly made corsets like Corset Story or Ebay.

A real corset will give you a defined shape even when you aren't cinching down tons.

If you are interested in waist training, here's a page with 50 places to buy corsets to buy from. I have only bought from Orchard Corset so that's what I can personally recommend.

What's the right corset for me?

I can only recommend that you get an underbust. You need to measure yourself and remember to measure your torso length as well. I am pretty short so mine is at 10" and that limits what corsets I can buy off the rack. I can wear OC's 411, 301 and barely the 345.

I began waist training because I looked really bloated. OC recommended the size 24" to me since my waist was at 29". I'm sure because of the bloating provided extra squish, I was able to close that corset within a month.

3 months go by and I had lost an inch from my waist. I sized down to a size 22" during summer and began regular exercise. My waist went back down to 27" but there was still no weight loss.

UPDATE 2015: I currently wear a 20" corset and my waist is 25 1/2 to 26 inches. I don't wear it often because summer heat is terrible.

12.09.2014

It's the first time in four years that I have had a natural color on me. I haven't even had short hair in seven years and I was long overdo. I'm really happy with it! Black has always been my favorite and it's been on my mind for awhile now. It's that one color you need to be 100% sure about haha. The most exciting thing about this is not having to do roots.

I had to try out some tiny pin curls.

This dress is from forever21

I'm trying to work on some new crochet projects with whatever free time I have. I need to restock my shop with Sailor Moon hats and finish up my next pokemon. (It's a surprise!). I also can't decide if I should share a new pattern for this month or wait til the new year. Still trying to master juggling lots of things.. maybe one day?

I have been using the PumpUp app for my workouts. You can choose a routine based on the equipment you have whether it's gym or at home with dumbbells or nothing. You have your warmup, routine and cool down.. it's all timed! You choose the amount of reps, weight of dumbbells and you click the button when you're ready/done. This app is amazing!

I'm not used to having a routine with rest breaks especially with Blogilates. I'm able to workout longer with more strength. Currently trying to do the advanced option and trying to get a 30-50 minute in nearly daily. Mostly pushing myself to do tons of reps with my baby 5 pound dumbbells and some core circuits. It's shocking to see faster results within only two weeks. I love that I'm able to log in other activities too. It's basically an instagram for fitness haha

12.04.2014

I came across Black Heart Lingerie's site and found some band tops/muscle tees! I used to wear those boxy band tees from HT so it's nice to find fitted tops at an affordable price. Usually you can find something on Etsy but it's reconstructed into a tube top or a halter dress. Which are the two things I can't really wear comfortably haha.

I had to get a few during Black Friday because yes. Mostly everyone is broke by the end of the year. How does one afford gifts for everyone?! The site is still having sales from 20% to 40% off!

11.25.2014

I put this crop top over my cat face dress and put a belt over it to hold it into place. Win!! I'll love if this was a dress instead since this top is really short! This is mostly monochrome... I think this is a good enough excuse to start looking for some black boots and a bag. Those two things I prefer thrifting for.. I always find something I like!

top/shoes- forever21 dress-ebay bag/belt-thrifted

I'm going to do the Curly Girl Method (again) to enhance my natural waves. Those were pretty wild when I had the longer hair and it was just so weighed down. I can get more defined and bouncy results now. I'll share any products and hopefully convince others to stop using those sulfates and silicones. Good thing my scalp is already used to it because the transitioning period is gross.

If you didn't notice my awesome nails over instagram... it's Kiss Everlasting French tips in PETITE. I have never found something that could fit my tiny nails ever. The glue is alright, must find something better.

Counting down the days until I can get my own laptop! It'll be nice to cuddle up in blankets with the pups during winter or be next to my boyfriend on the bed while we work or play Maplestory. It's been months without playing and I'll like to *finally* get beyond the level 100+ range. I am sure my butt of a boyfriend will want to make a new character. Booooo

11.22.2014

Vulpix has always been part of my huge list of favorite Pokemon. You can't just choose one! haha I don't know why it has taken me so long to
even make one. The head was actually done months ago but a mix of projects and procrastination got into the way. I saw it sitting in my camera bag looking unfinished and pathetic. It became top priority!

I plan to make more Pokemon but keeping the size small like this. I can't imagine doing another monster size like my Eevee. Definitely adding Ninetales and all of the Eeveelutions to the list!! I'm going to make a Vulpix just for me and turn it into a keychain. I could only fit 5 tails on it though. I want to improve on the arms and legs.. maybe an extra stitch around?

11.18.2014

This is drastic but not an impulsive cut. I have been wanting this for too long.. so glad I did this over some long layers. It's much more soft, bouncy and light. Cut is done by @colorriot!! It has more life to it in comparison to that long, limp mess that was going on. It needs more pink eventually, right? haha

This dress is new on the blog! I really liked it at the time and got it anyway when it was one size smaller. I can manage to fit in it but it requires another person to fully zip me in and out of it. I love that it's fitted but prefer getting out of clothing easy. Not sure if this is going in my keep pile or going in my shopmycloset instead.

I realized quickly that two sweatshirts weren't going to be enough in this weather and today my package should come! I don't really have a right to complain about the cold when it's snowing for some of you. It's been barely below 70 degrees and my hands just turn into ice. /baby

I plan to make some fingerless gloves! I haven't made any before but I am definitely having a ton of puff stitches in it. I'll share pictures when it's done :D

11.17.2014

These are some fonts I made awhile back for fun. My handwriting is the worst since I developed the habit of writing *too* quickly. Yay for a redo button! These were made with a stylus and/or my fingers in an app called InstaFontMaker.

I love handwritten fonts or all caps in bold. I love that comic book font style.

11.14.2014

How often do I change my design? Too much! I wanted to try something new and challenge myself with drawing, coding and using a new color palette. It's funny how I used to stray away from pinks but now I'm putting it more into my work and being open to wearing it!

This was my color palette that inspired me:

I wanted to complete this in a few days and it was a struggle since I'm not too creative under a deadline. Simple designs are much easier than mixing colors and doing illustrations.

That font used in my menu and this palette will be available to download soon! Plus a few others I made too. :)

When I created this blog, I quickly doodled a fawn and tried to put it into the design to see if it would work. Nope. Didn't like it one bit. I turned it into my favicon though!

But here we go... this is something different! Of course it needed floral. I'm counting this header as my third piece for my weekly art challenge. Last weekend was my boyfriend's birthday and a day after was a rare moment I got sick... so definitely didn't go online to draw haha

I didn't share last week's art challenge, whoops!
I'm such a master at shading, you guys. Hair is so complicated.

Have you changed your design yet or are you waiting for the new year? :D

Welcome

Crissy. I'm a crochet designer and digital artist for fun. In my past, I was a photographer and graphic/blog designer. These days I'm focused on anime and video games. I'm a crochet & knit designer, web designer, and illustrator. I run Adorably Kawaii